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The Personal Assistant
I’m having a really bad day. I lost my phone. My purse was snatched. And I got fired . . . by my best friend.
But now I’ve got a lifeline. I’ve just been offered a new job. PA to the millionaire businesswoman Mrs Lillian Samson. An amazing salary. Impressive benefits package.
I soon realize there’s something not quite right about Lillian and the company she inherited from her late husband. Sometimes, when she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her watching me with a glint in her eye, like a lion stalking its prey.
Some of the things she asks me to do are weird — like volunteer at the local children’s hospital. When I come back, she questions me about the young patients.
She sends me on pointless errands, but won’t give me any responsibility. There’s only so many times I can arrange and re-arrange my desk.
And things are going to get even crazier.
My boss is dangerous. And work is about to get very personal for this personal assistant.
But now I’ve got a lifeline. I’ve just been offered a new job. PA to the millionaire businesswoman Mrs Lillian Samson. An amazing salary. Impressive benefits package.
I soon realize there’s something not quite right about Lillian and the company she inherited from her late husband. Sometimes, when she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her watching me with a glint in her eye, like a lion stalking its prey.
Some of the things she asks me to do are weird — like volunteer at the local children’s hospital. When I come back, she questions me about the young patients.
She sends me on pointless errands, but won’t give me any responsibility. There’s only so many times I can arrange and re-arrange my desk.
And things are going to get even crazier.
My boss is dangerous. And work is about to get very personal for this personal assistant.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2023
304 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Becki Willis
44 books541 followersBest-selling indie and hybrid author Becki Willis loves crafting stories with believable characters in believable situations. Many of her stories stem from her own personal experiences. (No worries; she's never actually murdered anyone).
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
When she’s not plotting danger and adventure for her imaginary friends, Becki enjoys reading, spending time with her family, unraveling a good mystery (real or imagined), dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee.
A professed history geek, Becki often weaves pieces of the past into her novels. Family is a central theme in her stories and in her life. She and her husband enjoy traveling but believe coming home to their Texas ranch is the best part of any trip.
Becki has won numerous awards—including two Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, InD’Tale’s coveted RONE, and been named Finalist for two Claymore Awards—but feels the real compliments come from her readers. Drop in for an e-visit anytime at beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com, or www.beckiwillis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 9, 2025
This was not good. In my challenge there is a prompt called: Read a book about a job you had/have/want. The easy option was to look for a book about teaching (job I had) because there are hundreds of good books about teaching. The second easy option was to find a book om having your own bookstore (a job I want) because there are also a lot of fun books on that subject. But when I saw this book with the exact title as my current job and it also being a thriller, i thought I found my match. But no, this book was just not good. The crime was disgusting, the plot a joke and half of the time half of the information was missing. The only thing I liked were the two main characters. I was really rooting for Lexie and Jack, but other than that. Don’t read this book, just leave it on the shelve! On to the next!
October 9, 2024
The Personal Assistant by Becki Willis was an enjoyable experience even though I thought it was pretty predictable.
September 23, 2024
Many thanks to Joffe Books for this free eARC.
Slow starter but an easy read for when you want something simple
I haven’t read anything by this author before now and I may well give her books another go at some point. At about 25% I felt a little bored. By 30%, the book had me intrigued and interested as it raised the tension and upped the ante.
Unfortunately, mixed tenses, unannounced POV switches, filler words, and passive writing fill the narrative, which lets down the read immensely. On page 222, Jack became Jake and later turned back to Jack. Also, at one point, Lexi says her employer knows her address, but at no point until now did the story show this, and that isn’t the only plot hole. So, from a technical side, this has lots of issues.
From a creative perspective, I love the banter between Lexi and Jack; however, it baffled me at how quickly she chose to trust him with potentially life-threatening information. Despite the slow first 25 to 30%, once things got going, they gripped me and held me captive. I wanted to know how it would all turn out.
The finale and twist were okay but not a great surprise. I would recommend this read for those times when you’re tired and want something simple and easy, which doesn’t require too much brain power. Though, fair warning, the slow start may put you to sleep! Once you get to the good stuff, however, you’ll keep turning the pages.
The premise promised a fun-filled book, which I didn’t find to be the case. This read leaves me with mixed feelings. Overall it’s an okay storyline with relatable characters and worth the few hours it takes to get through. Usually, I have quotes to offer, but the narrative in this doesn’t offer many worthwhile options, so I’ll leave it with saying that despite the issues I’ve raised, it’s an enjoyable enough read after the first quarter and gets a soft three stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
Slow starter but an easy read for when you want something simple
I haven’t read anything by this author before now and I may well give her books another go at some point. At about 25% I felt a little bored. By 30%, the book had me intrigued and interested as it raised the tension and upped the ante.
Unfortunately, mixed tenses, unannounced POV switches, filler words, and passive writing fill the narrative, which lets down the read immensely. On page 222, Jack became Jake and later turned back to Jack. Also, at one point, Lexi says her employer knows her address, but at no point until now did the story show this, and that isn’t the only plot hole. So, from a technical side, this has lots of issues.
From a creative perspective, I love the banter between Lexi and Jack; however, it baffled me at how quickly she chose to trust him with potentially life-threatening information. Despite the slow first 25 to 30%, once things got going, they gripped me and held me captive. I wanted to know how it would all turn out.
The finale and twist were okay but not a great surprise. I would recommend this read for those times when you’re tired and want something simple and easy, which doesn’t require too much brain power. Though, fair warning, the slow start may put you to sleep! Once you get to the good stuff, however, you’ll keep turning the pages.
The premise promised a fun-filled book, which I didn’t find to be the case. This read leaves me with mixed feelings. Overall it’s an okay storyline with relatable characters and worth the few hours it takes to get through. Usually, I have quotes to offer, but the narrative in this doesn’t offer many worthwhile options, so I’ll leave it with saying that despite the issues I’ve raised, it’s an enjoyable enough read after the first quarter and gets a soft three stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
September 24, 2024
This was my first book by this author, Becki Willis, and overall I found this enjoyable and a good read. I did like the twists and turns and psychology of it. I did like the characters overall and Lexi was an interesting and mostly likable character. She did seem a bit too trusting for me but maybe that is a me problem!
The writing was good overall, I did find the jumping of POVS and sometimes tense a little jarring at first but once I was engrossed in the novel these didn’t really stand out anymore. All in all this is a great twists and turns, realistic characters and enjoyable overall.
As always thank you to ZooLoos Book Tours and Joffe Books for my copy. My review is always honest and truthful.
The writing was good overall, I did find the jumping of POVS and sometimes tense a little jarring at first but once I was engrossed in the novel these didn’t really stand out anymore. All in all this is a great twists and turns, realistic characters and enjoyable overall.
As always thank you to ZooLoos Book Tours and Joffe Books for my copy. My review is always honest and truthful.
September 24, 2024
The Personal Assistant was my first venture into a book by Willis and I can safely say it's not going to be my last.
I found it a fairly quick read and devoured it in a few hours. Whilst it's slow in starting, the suspense begins to build and the pace quickens as we head towards the penultimate pages and the final sting in the tail...I wasn't expecting that, were you?
It comes complete with a medley of characters, Lexi and Jack being the main two. Sadly I was unable to form any emotional bonds with either of them, but their banter more than made up for that!
Just remember if something sounds to good to be true...then it probably is!
I found it a fairly quick read and devoured it in a few hours. Whilst it's slow in starting, the suspense begins to build and the pace quickens as we head towards the penultimate pages and the final sting in the tail...I wasn't expecting that, were you?
It comes complete with a medley of characters, Lexi and Jack being the main two. Sadly I was unable to form any emotional bonds with either of them, but their banter more than made up for that!
Just remember if something sounds to good to be true...then it probably is!
September 2, 2024
This was a quick read that I finished in less than a day. The book centers on Lexi, who receives a too-good-to-be-true job offer and is trying to figure out what is really going on and if her new boss has any connection to her estranged father.
Lexi is a likable character and the pacing of the book is fast. Though some of the things that happened were unrealistic, there were many good surprises. There’s a thread of romance, which I certainly could’ve done without, and I found it odd that Lexi would be so quick to trust someone she just met with information she had never told anyone that could put her at risk. That aside, the dynamic between the characters was engaging and kept the pacing fast. The ending was tied up neatly and I thought it worked.
Overall, this was a quick and action packed read that maybe wasn’t totally my style, but was a good story nonetheless. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lexi is a likable character and the pacing of the book is fast. Though some of the things that happened were unrealistic, there were many good surprises. There’s a thread of romance, which I certainly could’ve done without, and I found it odd that Lexi would be so quick to trust someone she just met with information she had never told anyone that could put her at risk. That aside, the dynamic between the characters was engaging and kept the pacing fast. The ending was tied up neatly and I thought it worked.
Overall, this was a quick and action packed read that maybe wasn’t totally my style, but was a good story nonetheless. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2024
Book Information
The Personal Assistant
By
Becki Willis
Genre - Psychological Thriller.
Pages - 287 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets and lies.
Hidden Identity.
Toxic Family.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, available from 24th September 2024.
Available Formats - Kindle and Paperback.
Publishing Information -
Will be published on 24th September 2024 by Joffe Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Zooloo's Book Tours.
POVs - Dual Pov, mainly from Lexi but also The Milkman.
Dual Timeline - No.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, I only had a few questions left unanswered.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering and disturbing.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading, it was a bit touch and go, especially when i got to The Milkman chapters as they were particularly disturbing and honestly i think the story would of been okay without them, but never the less i am so glad i stuck with it as this was a great read.
Plot
The plot rolled so quickly and effortlessly, i enjoyed the dynamics between Lexi and Jack, although the milkman does not make much sense until you get to the later end of the book, it links everything together and honestly as disturbing as it is, that was a very unique way to add depth and mystery to the plot, adding confusions and doubt until everything comes together.
Characters
The characters was a mix of love and hate within the book. Lexi is someone who just wants to leave her past in the past. I absolutely loved when she met Jack. The banter and sarcasm was fantastic. "Don't let this cute little face fool you, cowboy. I'm not as innocent as you may think." The rest of the characters i did not have any inkling of a like to. The side character Joy i liked though.
Recommend
i recommend this to anyone that like psychological thrillers with disturbing elements.
Favourite Quotes
"I see you're wearing your boots again, so you can wade through all your own c rap."
"To be old as she is, she's sure not very smart about things."
"Big moments in life didn't always come with warning signs. No standard label saying Caution: everything you do from this point forward will change your life forever.
Favourite Chapter/s
I tend to find i don't have favourite chapters in thrillers.
Summed up in one sentence
An interlinking plot with the ultimate betrayal.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a book that made me feel on edge. There was part that i absolutely loved, the children particular. Lexi is such a strong character and i love her fight and the never giving up mentality. I was glad the book was mainly in her pov. Although i guessed the ending it was a great read and once i hit around 70% of the book, i could not put it back down.
Stars.
4
The Personal Assistant
By
Becki Willis
Genre - Psychological Thriller.
Pages - 287 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets and lies.
Hidden Identity.
Toxic Family.
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, available from 24th September 2024.
Available Formats - Kindle and Paperback.
Publishing Information -
Will be published on 24th September 2024 by Joffe Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Zooloo's Book Tours.
POVs - Dual Pov, mainly from Lexi but also The Milkman.
Dual Timeline - No.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, I only had a few questions left unanswered.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering and disturbing.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading, it was a bit touch and go, especially when i got to The Milkman chapters as they were particularly disturbing and honestly i think the story would of been okay without them, but never the less i am so glad i stuck with it as this was a great read.
Plot
The plot rolled so quickly and effortlessly, i enjoyed the dynamics between Lexi and Jack, although the milkman does not make much sense until you get to the later end of the book, it links everything together and honestly as disturbing as it is, that was a very unique way to add depth and mystery to the plot, adding confusions and doubt until everything comes together.
Characters
The characters was a mix of love and hate within the book. Lexi is someone who just wants to leave her past in the past. I absolutely loved when she met Jack. The banter and sarcasm was fantastic. "Don't let this cute little face fool you, cowboy. I'm not as innocent as you may think." The rest of the characters i did not have any inkling of a like to. The side character Joy i liked though.
Recommend
i recommend this to anyone that like psychological thrillers with disturbing elements.
Favourite Quotes
"I see you're wearing your boots again, so you can wade through all your own c rap."
"To be old as she is, she's sure not very smart about things."
"Big moments in life didn't always come with warning signs. No standard label saying Caution: everything you do from this point forward will change your life forever.
Favourite Chapter/s
I tend to find i don't have favourite chapters in thrillers.
Summed up in one sentence
An interlinking plot with the ultimate betrayal.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a book that made me feel on edge. There was part that i absolutely loved, the children particular. Lexi is such a strong character and i love her fight and the never giving up mentality. I was glad the book was mainly in her pov. Although i guessed the ending it was a great read and once i hit around 70% of the book, i could not put it back down.
Stars.
4
November 5, 2024
This is another new author to me and I love diving into a new book where I have absolutely no clue what to expect! Especially as I never read the blurbs either, until afterwards, so everything is a total surprise!
This started of a little slower than I'd thought it might but once things were set up, the pace picked up a little and I was really intrigued by Lexi's background and what on earth was going on with Lillian. I actually found her a little creepy and liked that Lexi wanted to stick around even so, just to try and work out what was happening.
I definitely didn't really trust anyone as each of them had secrets and things going on that could have pointed to foul play.
I was totally drawn into the way Lexi was thinking throughout and so the ending was definitely a bit of a shocker - but I feel that if I'd read this on another day, I might have not been lulled so much and maybe I'd have spotted more clues throughout.
The writing style was gripping once we got into the story proper and I raced through the last half of the book.
There were a couple of pov changes that caught me off guard but this didn't distract too much from the storyline itself.
An enjoyable read and certainly an author I'll read again in the future.
This started of a little slower than I'd thought it might but once things were set up, the pace picked up a little and I was really intrigued by Lexi's background and what on earth was going on with Lillian. I actually found her a little creepy and liked that Lexi wanted to stick around even so, just to try and work out what was happening.
I definitely didn't really trust anyone as each of them had secrets and things going on that could have pointed to foul play.
I was totally drawn into the way Lexi was thinking throughout and so the ending was definitely a bit of a shocker - but I feel that if I'd read this on another day, I might have not been lulled so much and maybe I'd have spotted more clues throughout.
The writing style was gripping once we got into the story proper and I raced through the last half of the book.
There were a couple of pov changes that caught me off guard but this didn't distract too much from the storyline itself.
An enjoyable read and certainly an author I'll read again in the future.
September 26, 2024
This is a standalone book that is part of the Gripping Suspense Books series.
This dark and twisty psychological thriller follows Lexi, who, after a run of bad luck, ends up working for the strange businsswoman Lillian Samson as a PA... although Lillian doesn't seem to really need one? So what's going on there...
So with this story, there are 2 stories as play... Lexi's mysterious past and the strange Lillian... both run their course and weave throughout until, ultimately... everything comes to a head.
I liked Lexi as a character as she is a very strong lady even with her past and Lillian... is definitely a character...
The story offers a rollercoaster ride with a shocking ending!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, then this one is for you!
This dark and twisty psychological thriller follows Lexi, who, after a run of bad luck, ends up working for the strange businsswoman Lillian Samson as a PA... although Lillian doesn't seem to really need one? So what's going on there...
So with this story, there are 2 stories as play... Lexi's mysterious past and the strange Lillian... both run their course and weave throughout until, ultimately... everything comes to a head.
I liked Lexi as a character as she is a very strong lady even with her past and Lillian... is definitely a character...
The story offers a rollercoaster ride with a shocking ending!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, then this one is for you!
October 2, 2024
This thriller is by a new to me author and an intriguing read. The tension and suspense build up well and kept my attention and interest throughout.
I think this is a good read for thriller fans.
I think this is a good read for thriller fans.
September 25, 2024
Straight away I could tell something was off when everything goes wrong for Lexi within a short space of time. But when she’s offered a lifeline by the mysterious Lillian Sampson, although she takes it, it not long before she has huge doubts as to whether she should have. Lexi is an interesting character as you could tell she has her own secrets to hide and I enjoyed the way her backstory is drip fed throughout the book. Along with other characters, some were fabulous, such as the lawman, others were just plain creepy. There were a few twists and I did find myself often wondering what some people’s intentions were. Most of the book I found to be a slow burner but the tension rapidly escalated in the last few chapters and I found myself racing to the end.
September 26, 2024
This wasn’t what I was expecting from this book at all - I did go in blind and not read the blurb. The history of Lexi fascinated me just as much as the main plot. I trusted no one (but I’m not going to lie I think I would be great at a well paid job with little work 😂) so naturally I couldn’t figure out who had done what! I was so desperate to find out what was going on I just couldn’t put it down!
September 27, 2024
The Personal Assistant by Becki Willis.
This was a good read. It was slow to start off. But once Jack comes in, I can't put it down. I do like how he wants to protect Lexi. I wasn't sure how I felt about Lexi at first, but she grew on me. Lillian, I didn't trust at all. Omg. Talk about double red herrings. I certainly didn't see that coming. My jaw was on the floor. I did like the ending
This was a good read. It was slow to start off. But once Jack comes in, I can't put it down. I do like how he wants to protect Lexi. I wasn't sure how I felt about Lexi at first, but she grew on me. Lillian, I didn't trust at all. Omg. Talk about double red herrings. I certainly didn't see that coming. My jaw was on the floor. I did like the ending
September 24, 2024
This might start of slowly but it soon hooks you In. For me the first quarter is the character building of Lexi, whilst I felt for her with all that happens at the start, she has to be the most gullible character ever!
Her gullibility was so good to follow, I was cracking up at some of the things she was ‘assigned’ but never really questioned outloud.
Some parts of the plot were very odd (The Milkman and him ‘helping’ society… so grim) but I liked how it all came together at the end.
Her gullibility was so good to follow, I was cracking up at some of the things she was ‘assigned’ but never really questioned outloud.
Some parts of the plot were very odd (The Milkman and him ‘helping’ society… so grim) but I liked how it all came together at the end.
September 15, 2024
Lexi takes a too good to be true job as a PA for Sam, who owns a shipping company. It's a strange job and then Sam keeps giving Lexi things that trigger off memories of Lexi's past - how could Sam know?
This was quite a quick read, that keeps you guessing throughout. Also, trying to figure out how the side story fits in. I was trying so hard, suspecting other people, didn't even realise the answer was so obvious. I got a shock when I realised what was going on.
Lexi is a really likeable character - she had a bad run in life and just wanted to make something of it on her own. I felt really nervous towards the end as thought something was going to happen to her.
This was quite a quick read, that keeps you guessing throughout. Also, trying to figure out how the side story fits in. I was trying so hard, suspecting other people, didn't even realise the answer was so obvious. I got a shock when I realised what was going on.
Lexi is a really likeable character - she had a bad run in life and just wanted to make something of it on her own. I felt really nervous towards the end as thought something was going to happen to her.
September 24, 2024
Here is my review for The Personal Assistant by Becki Willis
This is a really intriguing read and a great psychological book that I found to be spine tinglingly good. Lexi managed to have her purse snatched, lose her phone and get fired by her best friend all in the same day! Then she got offered a new position that paid a better salary and had a much better benefits package. The job was a personal assistant to Mrs Lillian Samson, of Samson Shipping. She soon realizes the job is not all that it seems and the boss has her fingers in more pies than she should. Also, she is keeping some interesting company. Plus Lillian seems to know a lot about her that only her dad would know, is she in cahoots with her dad? This is a very interesting story and has very creepy vibes about it. Just how does Lillian know so much about Lexi? Considering Lexi isn’t her real name. The story is very well written and well plotted. It has been well thought out beforehand. I like the storyline and haven’t read anything like it before. It’s a very good psychological thriller. I don’t think I have read this author before but I will certainly read her books again.
Blurb :
I’m having a really bad day. I lost my phone. My purse was snatched. And I got fired . . . by my best friend.
But now I’ve got a lifeline. I’ve just been offered a new job. PA to the millionaire businesswoman Mrs Lillian Samson. An amazing salary. Impressive benefits package.
I soon realize there’s something not quite right about Lillian and the company she inherited from her late husband. Sometimes, when she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her watching me with a glint in her eye, like a lion stalking its prey.
Some of the things she asks me to do are weird — like volunteer at the local children’s hospital. When I come back, she questions me about the young patients.
She sends me on pointless errands, but won’t give me any responsibility. There’s only so many times I can arrange and re-arrange my desk.
And things are going to get even crazier.
My boss is dangerous. And work is about to get very personal for this personal assistant.
This is a really intriguing read and a great psychological book that I found to be spine tinglingly good. Lexi managed to have her purse snatched, lose her phone and get fired by her best friend all in the same day! Then she got offered a new position that paid a better salary and had a much better benefits package. The job was a personal assistant to Mrs Lillian Samson, of Samson Shipping. She soon realizes the job is not all that it seems and the boss has her fingers in more pies than she should. Also, she is keeping some interesting company. Plus Lillian seems to know a lot about her that only her dad would know, is she in cahoots with her dad? This is a very interesting story and has very creepy vibes about it. Just how does Lillian know so much about Lexi? Considering Lexi isn’t her real name. The story is very well written and well plotted. It has been well thought out beforehand. I like the storyline and haven’t read anything like it before. It’s a very good psychological thriller. I don’t think I have read this author before but I will certainly read her books again.
Blurb :
I’m having a really bad day. I lost my phone. My purse was snatched. And I got fired . . . by my best friend.
But now I’ve got a lifeline. I’ve just been offered a new job. PA to the millionaire businesswoman Mrs Lillian Samson. An amazing salary. Impressive benefits package.
I soon realize there’s something not quite right about Lillian and the company she inherited from her late husband. Sometimes, when she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her watching me with a glint in her eye, like a lion stalking its prey.
Some of the things she asks me to do are weird — like volunteer at the local children’s hospital. When I come back, she questions me about the young patients.
She sends me on pointless errands, but won’t give me any responsibility. There’s only so many times I can arrange and re-arrange my desk.
And things are going to get even crazier.
My boss is dangerous. And work is about to get very personal for this personal assistant.
January 20, 2025
This story kept me on my toes! It is not a typical suspense story and I loved that about it.
Lexi Graham is the main character and she has finally escaped from the nightmare of her father, or at least she thinks she has. She changed her name and entire persona multiple times and now she's landed in Galveston, Texas, starting over yet again.
She learned from the best how to stay alert, scan the area for threats, assess her surroundings and react (SAR). That's what her kingpin father taught her.
But she wants nothing to do with that life in any way.
When she meets, Jack, a lawman, there is an immediate attraction. But things turn sideways quickly for Lexi when she is fired from a job she loves and suddenly offered a new job at a shipping company with an astronomical salary. She is to be the personal assistant to the company's CEO. While all sorts of red flags pop up, she is happy to be earning money while doing only grunt work such as running errands.
Then in the midst of that story thread, the view switches to a disgusting man obsessed with women nursing babies. He breaks into their houses in the middle of the night and takes pleasure in forcing them to nurse.
I wondered how the author was going to bring the different story threads together, but she did in spades! Yet, it was the surprise twist at the end that left me in shock. If you are looking for a story you can't predict, full of suspense and action, this is the book for you. While there is an attraction between Lexi and Jack, the story is NOT a romance. A well-written story with non-stop action that held my attention.
Lexi Graham is the main character and she has finally escaped from the nightmare of her father, or at least she thinks she has. She changed her name and entire persona multiple times and now she's landed in Galveston, Texas, starting over yet again.
She learned from the best how to stay alert, scan the area for threats, assess her surroundings and react (SAR). That's what her kingpin father taught her.
But she wants nothing to do with that life in any way.
When she meets, Jack, a lawman, there is an immediate attraction. But things turn sideways quickly for Lexi when she is fired from a job she loves and suddenly offered a new job at a shipping company with an astronomical salary. She is to be the personal assistant to the company's CEO. While all sorts of red flags pop up, she is happy to be earning money while doing only grunt work such as running errands.
Then in the midst of that story thread, the view switches to a disgusting man obsessed with women nursing babies. He breaks into their houses in the middle of the night and takes pleasure in forcing them to nurse.
I wondered how the author was going to bring the different story threads together, but she did in spades! Yet, it was the surprise twist at the end that left me in shock. If you are looking for a story you can't predict, full of suspense and action, this is the book for you. While there is an attraction between Lexi and Jack, the story is NOT a romance. A well-written story with non-stop action that held my attention.
November 10, 2024
The personal assistant by @beckiwillisauthor and @joffebooks.
Thank you to the author and @zooloosbooktours for allowing me to review this.
5⭐️.
Punch line is physcological thriller with a shocking twist! This booo did not disappoint, I couldn’t put it down as it had me on the edge of my seat! I was totally pulled into the story line and felt every part of it.
Blurb
I lost my phone. My purse was snatched. And I got fired . . . by my best friend.
But now I’ve got a lifeline. That very day I’m offered a new job. PA to the millionaire businesswoman Mrs Lillian Samson. An amazing salary. Impressive benefits package.
I soon realize there’s something not quite right about Lillian, and the company she inherited from her late husband. Sometimes, when she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her watching me with a strange look in her eye, like a lion stalking its prey.
Some of the things she asks me to do are weird — like volunteer at the local children’s hospital. When I come back, she questions me about the young patients.
She sends me on pointless errands, but won’t give me any responsibility. There’s only so many times I can arrange and re-arrange my desk.
And things are about to get even crazier.
My boss is dangerous. And things are about to get very personal for this personal assistant.
#beckiwillis #joffeebooks #zooloosbooktours ha
Thank you to the author and @zooloosbooktours for allowing me to review this.
5⭐️.
Punch line is physcological thriller with a shocking twist! This booo did not disappoint, I couldn’t put it down as it had me on the edge of my seat! I was totally pulled into the story line and felt every part of it.
Blurb
I lost my phone. My purse was snatched. And I got fired . . . by my best friend.
But now I’ve got a lifeline. That very day I’m offered a new job. PA to the millionaire businesswoman Mrs Lillian Samson. An amazing salary. Impressive benefits package.
I soon realize there’s something not quite right about Lillian, and the company she inherited from her late husband. Sometimes, when she thinks I’m not looking, I catch her watching me with a strange look in her eye, like a lion stalking its prey.
Some of the things she asks me to do are weird — like volunteer at the local children’s hospital. When I come back, she questions me about the young patients.
She sends me on pointless errands, but won’t give me any responsibility. There’s only so many times I can arrange and re-arrange my desk.
And things are about to get even crazier.
My boss is dangerous. And things are about to get very personal for this personal assistant.
#beckiwillis #joffeebooks #zooloosbooktours ha
August 10, 2024
4* Decent read with a female lead who's got big girl panties, but you do need to suspend disbelief where 'Sam' is concerned.
This is my first Joffe Books book that's not UK-set, but thankfully they've stuck to doing away with faux drama and gloss, so the tale draws you in on the female lead. And, she's strong and determined and mostly carries it off well, and no, the blurb didn't lead me to what I got from the story, which is a good thing, as it blindsided me. Mostly.
This is a hard one to review without spoiling it, but there are reveals that are done pretty well, although there are some things and times where you wonder why Lexi didn't call Sam's bluff. From the minute Sam's size was mentioned, I clocked the outcome. I mean, there's stuff you can disguise and there's stuff you can't, like the size of a nose, hands, feet. Still, the author wasn't overt with too much and she created a good, strong lead in Lexi, so I ended up drawn in. The ending, though, was hugely predictable except for the shades-of-grey thing. But, Lexi got what she deserved and she did good not just for herself, but for some really deserving of help.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
This is my first Joffe Books book that's not UK-set, but thankfully they've stuck to doing away with faux drama and gloss, so the tale draws you in on the female lead. And, she's strong and determined and mostly carries it off well, and no, the blurb didn't lead me to what I got from the story, which is a good thing, as it blindsided me. Mostly.
This is a hard one to review without spoiling it, but there are reveals that are done pretty well, although there are some things and times where you wonder why Lexi didn't call Sam's bluff. From the minute Sam's size was mentioned, I clocked the outcome. I mean, there's stuff you can disguise and there's stuff you can't, like the size of a nose, hands, feet. Still, the author wasn't overt with too much and she created a good, strong lead in Lexi, so I ended up drawn in. The ending, though, was hugely predictable except for the shades-of-grey thing. But, Lexi got what she deserved and she did good not just for herself, but for some really deserving of help.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
October 13, 2024
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and independent review.
There's a saying that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That's where protagonist Lexi finds herself after receiving a job offer that she feels she would be an idiot not to take. Unfortunately though things are not quite as they seem as her new boss begins to act peculiar and assign her very bizarre tasks. As Lexi continues to keep up with her boss's strange demands, she uncovers some pretty unsettling things that lead her into a rollercoaster of events that will keep you guessing about what's really going on.
This was fun and very psychological mystery and I actually really enjoyed the fast pacing of it, though it was a bit slow at the beginning. I didn't quite love heroine Lexi though, as she seemed almost too trusting to me, but I enjoyed all the side characters and the dynamics between them all. The ending was satisfying as well and I appreciate all the twists and turns it took to get there.
3.5/5 ⭐
There's a saying that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That's where protagonist Lexi finds herself after receiving a job offer that she feels she would be an idiot not to take. Unfortunately though things are not quite as they seem as her new boss begins to act peculiar and assign her very bizarre tasks. As Lexi continues to keep up with her boss's strange demands, she uncovers some pretty unsettling things that lead her into a rollercoaster of events that will keep you guessing about what's really going on.
This was fun and very psychological mystery and I actually really enjoyed the fast pacing of it, though it was a bit slow at the beginning. I didn't quite love heroine Lexi though, as she seemed almost too trusting to me, but I enjoyed all the side characters and the dynamics between them all. The ending was satisfying as well and I appreciate all the twists and turns it took to get there.
3.5/5 ⭐
August 12, 2024
𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍. 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆.
If you thought you were getting a run-of-the-mill domestic suspense, you are mistaken! This book had A LOT going on. At first I was really unsure about the sub-plot, but by the end, I was won over.
Lexi is unceremoniously let go from a job she loves with little explanation, and her day just continues to get worse. When she's offered a job as a personal assistant for a mystery businesswomen in the shipping industry, she's taken aback by the overly generous salary. Despite her misgivings, she accepts, and is confused by how little she's asked to do.
The daughter of a drifter who is now in prison, she's learned her whole life to be on guard and assess the situation. And while something about her new job just doesn't feel right, she's not sure what it is until little clues from her past begin showing up. Fearing that her criminal father has found her after years of running, Lexi is determined to find out the truth about who she is working for.
While a little dramatic and convoluted at times, this ended up being a fun read that you will definitely need to suspend disbelief for. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the early copy. At the time this review was written, this book was slated to publish September 24, 2024.
If you thought you were getting a run-of-the-mill domestic suspense, you are mistaken! This book had A LOT going on. At first I was really unsure about the sub-plot, but by the end, I was won over.
Lexi is unceremoniously let go from a job she loves with little explanation, and her day just continues to get worse. When she's offered a job as a personal assistant for a mystery businesswomen in the shipping industry, she's taken aback by the overly generous salary. Despite her misgivings, she accepts, and is confused by how little she's asked to do.
The daughter of a drifter who is now in prison, she's learned her whole life to be on guard and assess the situation. And while something about her new job just doesn't feel right, she's not sure what it is until little clues from her past begin showing up. Fearing that her criminal father has found her after years of running, Lexi is determined to find out the truth about who she is working for.
While a little dramatic and convoluted at times, this ended up being a fun read that you will definitely need to suspend disbelief for. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the early copy. At the time this review was written, this book was slated to publish September 24, 2024.
September 19, 2024
This was my first read by Willis and now that I know there are 3 other books in this Addictive Psychological Thrillers series that came out in 2023, I will have to go back and read them all!
What I liked most was the strong female lead, Lexi, who starts out with a really, very bad, horrible, no good, day, and winds up with a high paying/low work job based on a recommendation from her previous boss. But you know what they say - if it seems too good to be true...
Lexi is one badass woman who has been able to take her former life of crime and turn it around, even to the point of discovering her empathy for orphaned and hospitalized children, a "voluntary" task her very volatile boss gives her to do in her place. But there are too many coincidences in her new job that are raising red flags for her, and her spidey sense is giving her all the warning signs. This is a wild rollercoaster ride that will have you finishing the book in one sitting!
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this advance reader's copy!
What I liked most was the strong female lead, Lexi, who starts out with a really, very bad, horrible, no good, day, and winds up with a high paying/low work job based on a recommendation from her previous boss. But you know what they say - if it seems too good to be true...
Lexi is one badass woman who has been able to take her former life of crime and turn it around, even to the point of discovering her empathy for orphaned and hospitalized children, a "voluntary" task her very volatile boss gives her to do in her place. But there are too many coincidences in her new job that are raising red flags for her, and her spidey sense is giving her all the warning signs. This is a wild rollercoaster ride that will have you finishing the book in one sitting!
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this advance reader's copy!
September 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this read. It was a little slow starting off but once it got going I was very intrigued! I liked Lexi our main character, you knew that she was hiding but you didn’t know what or who from.
I loved how her story unfolded and couldn’t wait to find out what the reasoning was behind all of the signs that she was receiving from her new boss Sam. I loved how despite her initial reservations she kept on with the job to try to work out what was happening.
I loved her relationship with Jack, at first I thought it was Lexi that he was watching but it turned out very different! I really liked reading the scenes with them both in and sometimes they did make me laugh!
I was not expecting the ending to be what it was!!! I must admit I was drawn to Lexi’s line of thinking so I really wasn’t expecting it at all!
I loved how her story unfolded and couldn’t wait to find out what the reasoning was behind all of the signs that she was receiving from her new boss Sam. I loved how despite her initial reservations she kept on with the job to try to work out what was happening.
I loved her relationship with Jack, at first I thought it was Lexi that he was watching but it turned out very different! I really liked reading the scenes with them both in and sometimes they did make me laugh!
I was not expecting the ending to be what it was!!! I must admit I was drawn to Lexi’s line of thinking so I really wasn’t expecting it at all!
August 31, 2024
The Personal Assistant was my first read of Becki Willis and it won’t be my last! The book’s main character is Lexi, a woman running from her past to escape her father’s life of crime and her manipulation into helping him. The book does start off slow and the Milkman chapters had me confused as to their significance, but the author does a nice job of wrapping it all up in the end with her twist! While I suspected the news Lexi had received visiting the prison was too good to be true, the twist still made me gasp at the end! A solid 4 star read. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Publication Date: September 24, 2024
August 3, 2024
Always trust your gut. This book reiterates why you should always listen to that little voice saying something doesn't feel right. Lexi Graham didn't listen to her intuition and this story is what happened as a result.
The authors writing style drew me in immediately and left me craving to satisfy my need to find out why everything from random to downright weird was happening to Lexi.
From start to finish this book left me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I did have a few moments where I thought I knew who did what but, boy was I wrong!
I truly enjoyed the story and can't wait to get my hands on more books written by Beki Willis!
The authors writing style drew me in immediately and left me craving to satisfy my need to find out why everything from random to downright weird was happening to Lexi.
From start to finish this book left me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I did have a few moments where I thought I knew who did what but, boy was I wrong!
I truly enjoyed the story and can't wait to get my hands on more books written by Beki Willis!
August 29, 2024
A great popcorn thriller! Some of the twists were a little predictable and some of it was a little convoluted, but the characters of Lexi and Jack, and the banter between them as they unexpectedly find themselves helping each other out, were priceless!
Lexi is one of my favourite badass FMCs; as I read more about her upbringing and how she turned her life around, I was filled with admiration for her and was rooting for her to succeed.
The pacing was great and I really enjoyed Becki Willis’s writing style.
4.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Becki Willis and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Lexi is one of my favourite badass FMCs; as I read more about her upbringing and how she turned her life around, I was filled with admiration for her and was rooting for her to succeed.
The pacing was great and I really enjoyed Becki Willis’s writing style.
4.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Becki Willis and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
I loved this book - I wasn’t sure if I would to start with as American thriller/crime isn’t always my cup of tea but I’m so glad I read this.
Lexi gets fired from a job with a friend and her bag is snatched so she’s feeling down when totally out of the blue comes an amazing job offer, which she takes.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is and Lexi soon feels that something definitely isn’t right in this twisty thriller.
This is the first I’ve read from this author and will look out for more.
Thank you to Joffe’s ARC for a copy of this book and this review is given voluntarily.
Lexi gets fired from a job with a friend and her bag is snatched so she’s feeling down when totally out of the blue comes an amazing job offer, which she takes.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is and Lexi soon feels that something definitely isn’t right in this twisty thriller.
This is the first I’ve read from this author and will look out for more.
Thank you to Joffe’s ARC for a copy of this book and this review is given voluntarily.
September 1, 2025
Great book with a unique story line. If you make any assumptions based on the title, you will be wrong. The personal assistant is the protagonist and is on every page, but she has a former life she is trying to escape. The book moves along quickly and keeps you turning the page. It makes you anxious to get back to reading if you had to put it down. The antagonist, revealed at the end of the book, was a surprise. I figured this person was involved somehow, but not sure how. A fast and enjoyable read. Warning: the serial offender in this book has a very unusual, creepy, and offensive fettish. Rape, but not in the normal way. This is my first book by Becki Willis and I will read more.
September 2, 2024
This was my first Becki Willis book and I was absolutely hooked the entire way through. The writing style is easy to follow and there's enough going on in the story that keeps you hooked without being overwhelming.
The secondary plotline was a bit... Strange? I got the "ick" a lot from it. And I did wonder where it was going for a long time, but it was all tied together neatly by the end! My only wish was that it was a little longer!
Definitely recommend for fans of suspenseful thrillers/crime fiction!
Thank you to Joffe Books for this eArc in return for my honest review!
The secondary plotline was a bit... Strange? I got the "ick" a lot from it. And I did wonder where it was going for a long time, but it was all tied together neatly by the end! My only wish was that it was a little longer!
Definitely recommend for fans of suspenseful thrillers/crime fiction!
Thank you to Joffe Books for this eArc in return for my honest review!
September 17, 2024
Loved this book. I got it as an ARC from Joffe Books and wasn’t entirely sure it was my type of book. It certainly was! Full of twists and turns, the rather creepy woman who hires the narrator clearly has an agenda which does become apparent, as does the reason behind a sudden bout of mishaps in her life. The adage of ‘ if it’s too good to be true…. ‘ is certainly apt here. I’m not sure it would work as well on a second read because I know what happens now but I really enjoyed the ride the first time!
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